Round Rock, Texas-based Dell said that SonicWALL's lineup of firewalls complements its security solutions portfolio and broadens its product lineup.

The company has more than 130 patents, registered and pending, and develops its own security products. More than 300,000 customers use SonicWALL products, including firewalls and secure remote access, along with email security, backup and recovery, Dell said.

SonicWALL was founded in 1991 and is based in San Jose, Calif. Its 950 workers are expected to join Dell, the company said.

The deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, was approved by the boards of both companies. It's expected to close in the second quarter of Dell's fiscal year 2013.